Uncertainty abounds as the nation’s lawmakers work to hammer out a deal ahead of the looming March 1 sequester that will kick in automatic cuts to government programs, including a 2 percent cut to Medicare reimbursements for providers.

But Lubbock-area health care providers are certain cuts in federal dollars for Medicare and Medicaid are inevitable and will ultimately impact health care on the South Plains through potential combinations of cuts in service, longer waiting times and increased workload for doctors.

“We’re anticipating some changes to Medicare or Medicaid, but we don’t know what they’d look like,” said Clarke Cochran, vice president of mission integration for Covenant Health System.

Spokespersons for South Plains congressmen echoed national reports from the nation’s Capitol that lawmakers are considering cuts to national health care programs as they look to reduce the nation’s $16.4 trillion deficit.

Heather Vaughan, a spokeswoman for Neugebauer, said the congressman believes lawmakers must look at all programs to reduce federal spending, though he offered no specific recommendations on health care programs.

If no action is taken, health care providers will face 2 percent across-the-board cuts in their Medicare payments, which Lubbock health care providers said would make a noticeable impact on their bottom line and could impact service.

“You’ll still get to go to all the doctors, all the hospitals and get all the treatment your condition requires,” Cochran said. “Some physicians may opt not to see Medicare patients. Service could get slower. Lines could be longer.”

Cochran said foreseeable cuts in federal funding, such as the 2 percent cut for providers through Medicare, would not impact the quality of service. He said Covenant is looking to offset cuts through increased efficiency and negotiating better terms in its contracts with medical suppliers. Cochran said the cuts likely would not impact the direct, out-of-pocket expense for medical service for Medicare or Medicaid patients, though some could result in fewer services being offered, such as discounts for health club memberships or phone services allowing patients to consult with nurses.

Dr. Donald May, a retired surgeon and member of Lubbock’s Board of Health, said he believes pending cuts to Medicare and likely reductions in the future will impact the quality of health care.

“This is the first step of reforming in a socialized health care system,” May said. “Eventually, fewer providers can afford to offer services.”

He said the 2 percent cut in Medicare funding for providers may not seem like much, but even a small cut can eat into already dwindling profit margins.

“When you cut 2 percent, then something else is going to have to be cut,” he said. “Physicians may be working longer hours to see more patients or hours spending less time with patients.”

Dr. Brian Carr, chairman of the Board of Health, says he has worked with Medicare and Medicaid patients for about 20 years through his private psychology practice.

Carr said he has no intention of turning away Medicare and Medicaid patients, but likely will look to make up his losses in supplies and equipment while trying to avoid impacting service.

He said it’s unclear how cuts in Medicare reimbursements would impact the quality of service from other providers, but sees an increasing number of health care providers limiting the number of Medicare and Medicaid patients they see.